New Belgium Brewing, not a name that requires much introduction for their wide variety of beer and of course the traveling Tour de Fat festival. This summer, on the evening before the bicycle parade and TdF festival, Radio Boise (our non-profit; community radio) hosted their annual Pre-Fat street party to raise money to support the station. This block party on 8th street between Idaho & Bannock from 4pm-11pm featured a variety of live music and Radio Boise DJ’s, street vendors, food, and of course beer.

I wanted to send a shout out New Belgium for donating all the beer, which was sold throughout the evening to raise funds for KRBX. As a volunteer, selling beer for four hours or so, I have to think that we must have sold (at least) a few thousand cans. At $5/each that adds up to a nice contribution to a local non-profit.

The evening went off without a hitch, as far as I could tell. The crowd was in good spirits, thirsty and the music was varied enough to keep the groove going. It’s always nice to see craft beer giving back and I see it it regularly on the local level, but to see large regional brewers step up to the plate as well is refreshing. Craft beer, from brewer to consumer continues to have a healthy sense of community that macro brew will never have; not to mention flavor and good beer.

Here is to the continuation of great beer, good people and incredible events.